Verification Process

Verification is the confirmation through documentation that the information provided on your FAFSA is correct.

The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported by students and their parent(s) (if student is a dependent) on the FAFSA. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled and prevents ineligible students from receiving financial aid to which they are not entitled.

How will I know if I am selected for verification?

You may be selected for verification either by the federal processor or by Hawkeye's Financial Aid office. If you are selected for verification by the federal processor, there will be an asterisk (*) next to your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your Student Aid Report. If you are selected for verification by the Financial Aid office, we will contact you via your Hawkeye email informing you of this selection and instructing you of any additional documentation that is required.

Why was I selected for verification?

Most FAFSA's that are selected for verification are chosen randomly. However, if you make changes to your FAFSA information, you may be selected for verification even if you were not selected on your initial application.

If I am selected for verification, am I required to send documentation?

No, you are not required to send documentation, but if you would like to receive state or federal funding, you must complete the verification process.

Fill out all forms in their entirety to avoid any processing delays. Be sure to include your name and student ID on all forms. Submit all completed documents to the Financial Aid office.

Continue to check your Hawkeye email often. We will email you if we need any additional documentation.

Please be sure to respond to requests for documentation in a timely manner to avoid delays in processing and applying your financial aid to your student account. You must provide the required documentation as soon as possible, but no later than three weeks prior to the end of the semester, or before you withdraw from classes.

The majority of financial aid funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and until the missing items are submitted to the Financial Aid office, processing of your financial aid is not possible. If documents are not returned in a timely manner, we cannot guarantee you will receive financial aid.

Please contact the Financial Aid office if you have questions about filling out your verification paperwork.